Former pop star Gary Glitter is accused of sexually abusing a girl for a period of three years, starting when she was eight years old in 1978, as revealed in court. Allegedly, Glitter, whose real name is Paul Gadd, gave the young girl chocolate and repeatedly subjected her to abuse in his residence in Kensington, West London.
The 82-year-old Glitter appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court via video link from HMP Channings Wood, Devon. He faces charges of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 and three counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14 between 1978 and 1981. During the brief hearing, clad in a cap, blue shirt, and jeans with a goatee beard, Glitter was prompted to confirm his identity and date of birth.
Struggling with hearing impairment, Glitter initially remained silent until a guard reiterated the question. He then clarified his name as Paul Gadd, spelling out his surname. Throughout the proceedings, he sat tapping his fingers on the table or adjusting his hearing aid to aid his understanding, suggesting a volume adjustment to accommodate his hearing aids.
Prosecutor Jonathan Polnay KC informed the court that the complainant, now in her mid-50s, approached the authorities in January of last year. According to Mr. Polnay, Glitter acquainted her and allegedly engaged in “serious sexual offenses” at his residence between 1978 and 1981, often offering chocolates during these encounters.
